Van der Vaart setback for Spurs

Tottenham will be without Rafael van der Vaart for Tuesday’s clash at Blackpool after the Dutchman suffered another injury set-back.

Spurs make the long trip north for the Premier League encounter, but will rest midfielder Van der Vaart after the 28-year-old injured his calf in training.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admitted his side will miss the midfielder’s influence, but remains confident that a 10-day rest will ensure a prompt return to action.

“Rafa did his calf again yesterday in training so he’s struggling,” Redknapp said.

“He missed a couple of games, played in Milan, got through 70 minutes and then yesterday morning didn’t feel good.”

“It’s a blow. He’s a fantastic player and we need him, but we can’t get that run out of him. He missed the pre-season, after the World Cup, and I think that’s a problem with niggly injuries.”

“We have a break, with Wolves away next then AC Milan at home. We’re hoping Rafa will be back for Wolves. He should be ok, it’s not a tear.”

Redknapp’s side are up to fourth in the standings after an impressive run of form, and added the scalp of AC Milan in last week’s Champions League first leg.

They face Wolverhampton on March 6 and then host the return-leg against Milan three days later, with Van der Vaart aiming to be in contention for both games.